There has been a change in the leadership of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with theNetherlands ending Spain’s reign of more than a year at the summit to claim top spot for the first time ever. The Oranje thus profited from Spain’s defeat by Italy – in a friendly that cost the world and European champions valuable points – to become only the [...]
Aug 252011
From Coach Terry Michler… During the CBC Dutch Tour International Soccer Program recent spring trip to Holland (3-16 to 3-27, 2011), we paid a return visit to the professional club NEC Nijmegen, of the Dutch Eredivisie. We have met a wonderful man there named Remco ten Hoopen. This year we observed his training sessions and [...]
Most coaches say “I want to teach my players to love the game.” That’s an awesome goal, but how do you do that? First, you must know that you can’t “make” your players love soccer. Just like you can’t “make” someone love anything. As the coach, it may be better to think of the process [...]
Dutch Soccer Coach Frank De Boer talks with FIFA.com…… As the Amsterdam sun beats down on one of Ajax’s many pristine training pitches, ex-Netherlands defender Frank de Boer, complete with crossed arms and impenetrable stare, keeps a watchful eye on the final session of the day. A product of the Dutch club’s renowned academy and [...]
Apr 102011
La Masia, aka La Cantera, the FC Barcelona Youth Academy has produced many great players including Xavi, Iniesta and Leo Messi, all three finalists (with Messi winning) for the Ballon d’Or. Interestingly, the Academy was begun by legendary Dutch Coach Rinus Michels. Frank Rijkaard and Johan Cruyff both improved upon Michels’ foundation and instituted a [...]
Johan Cruyff has caused several Board Members at Ajax to resign as a result of his recent recommendations. Cruyff has always been a very opinionated man and surely he has his own vision of how fabled Ajax F.C. can regain its stature in world soccer. More here…
Mar 232011
Found an interesting article about the importance of creating soccer-smart players. BBC Sport On-Line: “Countless reasons have been put forward to explain England’s repeated failure at international tournaments, so here is another one – a lack of (football) intelligence.” Key take-aways… Belgian UEFA A-License coach Michel Bruyninckx looks at “brain-centered learning” as the last frontier [...]
Nov 082010
Interesting article from the NY Times about the Ajax Youth Academy in Holland. Gives an inside look at the “how” and “why” it is able to develop world-class players. It also compares it to the approach of other countries including the U.S. More here…
Sep 202010
I first heard of the “Dutch Style” of training from a fellow coach. At the time, although I had played soccer for over 30 years, I was just beginning to learn how to coach the game. Searching for the best methods available I began to build my book and DVD library. And, of course, I [...]
Casual vs Committed Approach On July 7, 2000 Louis Van Gaal signed a 6 year contract to become the Coach of the Dutch National Soccer Team and to oversee the entire National Program of Dutch Soccer. This fulfilled a lifelong dream and allowed Van Gaal the opportunity to give something back to Dutch Soccer. His [...]
